Evan, Aidan, Bella & Sophia » July 2006 Journal Entries » AboutMyBaby - online baby scrapbooks, photo albums, videos, birth and pregnancy announcements

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Sun, Jul 30, 2006 5:14 AM
Happy 20 Months, our precious boys. We love you.

Mommy & Daddy

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Fri, Jul 28, 2006 2:00 PM
IZABELLA WEIGHS 6 LBS. 2 OZ!!!! HOLY CRAP!

We can't believe it! We went in for our 34 week Level 2 Growth Ultrasound at Good Sam this afternoon (ordered because my belly is measuring so big, and Bella has consistently been measuring big, too). As suspected, she is measuring OVER 1 lb. bigger than the *average* 34 week baby. She weighs 6 lbs. 2 oz! I almost fell off the hospital bed!! I am so happy, I cried.

I can't believe my little girl weighs almost TWICE what my little boys weighed when they were born. I am so happy and relieved to know she is thriving so much and growing, growing, growing!

We only have a few short weeks until we get to meet our little princess. We anticipate the moment, and I am enjoying these last few weeks of carrying her. In a way, I will be sad for this pregnancy to end (not the horrific heartburn and bedrest part, but just knowing she is with me and protected all the time). I can't wait to meet her, though.

Everything else went great, as usual. She received an 8/8 on her NST. Her amniotic fluid is great, she is breathing the amniotic fluid (as she should), and all her organs look perfect.

Onto next week ~ week 35!

I am so happy! And I *guessed* her weight to be 5 lbs. 9 oz only! ;o)

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Fri, Jul 28, 2006 6:00 AM
I'M 34 WEEKS!
Izabella ~ Your baby now measures about 20.25 inches (45cm) in total length and weighs around 5.5 lbs (2550g). Crown to rump measurement is about 13.2 inches (33cm).

She continues to grow and fatten up, especially in the shoulder area, and kicks regularly.

The fine lanugo hair that covered your baby is shedding, though some may still be present when your baby is born.

Your baby's eyes are blue, though this may change soon after birth or much later after birth.

Your baby's fingernails are growing. They already reach the tips of her fingers and they may even look quite long and pointy by the time she is born. Your baby may even have some scratch marks from scratching his face with her fingernails.

Your baby is probably feeling quite cramped right now and her movements are restricted by her growing size.

My Pregnant Body:

You have probably gained between 20-29 lbs (9-13 kg).

You may have continued backache as you relax the muscles supporting the joints in the small of your back.

You probably feel cramped and heavy.

You will probably find it easier to eat a little bit, but often, rather than eating large meals since your stomach is compressed.

Your ankles may be swollen and you may be having a hard time moving around. You may be able to avoid or reduce the swelling of your ankles by getting extra rest and changing positions frequently.

You are probably experiencing emotional changes along with your physical symptoms of pregnancy. If this is your first birth, you are probably becoming increasingly concerned about labor and childbirth. There's no doubt about it, though: You can do it. Knowing what to expect though can help you to feel prepared and can help you have a better birth experience so read, talk to your friends and family, your doctor and your childbirth educator about your concerns.

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Tue, Jul 25, 2006 4:00 PM
Dr. Brady just called. He wants me to do ANOTHER 24-hour urine collection and pre-eclampsia bloodwork to test my liver enzymes, platelet levels and protein levels. I am still spilling 1+ - 2+ protein in my urine at my weekly appointments, and he is concerned. I am just wondering if I am going to have to do this every single week throughout the remainder of the pregnancy. :o(

My Dad will drive to the hospital tomorrow, pick up my jug and bring it home. I will do the test all day Thursday and bring with me to my NST and Level 2 Ultrasound on Friday afternoon.

Wish me luck! No pre-eclampsia vibes for me!

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Tue, Jul 25, 2006 9:00 AM
Today's weekly appointment updates:
NST (Non-Stress Test):
Izabella's heartbeat is strong and reactive. Her heartbeat ranged from 155-185 BPM (perfect!)

AFI (Amniotic Fluid Index Ultrasound):
Her amniotic fluid is great, measuring 16.5. (5-25 is normal)

Perinatology appt (Dr. Coppage):
Dr. Coppage confirmed that my 24 hour urine collection came back normal. She said <300 mg of protein in a 24-hour collection is considered *normal* (even though I read online that <150 mg of protein in 24 hours is *normal*). Either way, I'm fine, because my protein level was 140 after 24 hours. Also, my liver enzyme and pre-eclampsia panel of bloodwork came back completely normal. Dr. Coppage confirmed (just as Dr. Brady mentioned last week) that the protein that keeps showing up in my urine must be from my cerclage (cervical fluids spilling into my urine, etc.)

My blood pressure is 100/62 and my weight gain is 28 lbs. total (1 lb. gained this week). My cervix is closed and tight, and my cerclage stitches are in place.

I mentioned to Dr. Coppage that I am having TONS and TONS of painful contractions. I have debated calling my Peri so many times due to the contractions I have - and I have more than 6 an hour. I never end up calling (for several reasons). #1, I would think if I were dilating, I would bleed due to my cerclage stitches tearing. #2, I have twins at home, and I don't want to leave the house if I don't have to. #3, I would have to spend HOURS in L&D Triage being monitored and tested. Dr. Coppage confirmed that if I were dilating, I would bleed from my cerclage. Therefore, unless I am bleeding, I do not need to call. She said she fully expects me to have a lot of contractions at this point in my pregnancy. She did mention that I can take Terbutaline every 3 hours if I need to, especially in the evenings when my contractions really pick up in frequency and intensity.

I am 33.5 weeks in gestation; but my belly is measuring 36 weeks! Dr. Coppage thinks Izabella is going to be a VERY big girl. She guessed her weight today as being around 5 1/2 POUNDS! (based on my 30.5 week Ultrasound where Bella weighed 4 lbs. 11 oz). Dr. Coppage wants me to have another Level 2 Growth Ultrasound on Friday. I am hoping Slawek can go with me (he hasn't attended that many appts. with me this pregnancy). Hopefully Magda can watch the boys for us.

Moving right ahead. I will be 34 weeks on Friday! WOO HOO!!!

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Sat, Jul 22, 2006 10:29 PM
Aidan started saying "Mommy," "Hello" and "Night Night" today. He also says "Yeahhhh!" Evan has been saying these words, plus many more - but Aidan is a very quiet, shy little boy.

I was so happy to hear him say those words. He melted my heart.

Evan continues to pick up new words, too. He now says:
Nite Nite
Tank You (Thank You)
Bye Bye
No
Uh oh
Daddy
I wub Ooo (I love you)
Hi
Hello
Yeahhhhh!!!!

The boys continue to grow and thrive. I can really see a big difference, especially in Aidan, just in these past few weeks. While Aidan has made the most improvement with his speech, Evan has made the most improvement with his physical development. Evan is now stacking, sorting and organizing toys in a much better way than before (when he was mainly destructive and wouldn't build with his blocks, etc.)

My litte treasures are doing just fine. I can't wait to introduce them to Bella!

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Fri, Jul 21, 2006 8:00 AM
I'm 33 WEEKS!
IZABELLA:
Your baby weighs almost 5 lbs (2250 g) and is 12.8 inches (32cm) from crown to rump and about 19.8 inches (44cm) long.

If your baby were born now, she would be considered "pre-term" rather than premature. This distinction is based on fetal maturity, particularly the maturity of the fetal lungs. A pre-term baby, unlike a premature baby, is likely to have well-developed lungs and is less likely to need intensive care.

Your baby is surrounded by a red glow when sunlight shines on your belly and may be aware of this as she is able to differentiate between light and dark.

Your baby's hair is getting thicker, though it may be a different color when she is older.

She is currently shedding her lanugo, the fine downy hair that previously covered her body.

More vernix, the waxy coating that protects your baby's skin while submerged in amniotic fluid, is building up.

Your baby's adrenal glands are producing more steroid hormone, the androgen-like hormone that indirectly aids your milk production. Your baby is currently producing ten times more of this hormone than a normal adult and the adrenal glands are currently the same size as those of an adolescent. They will shrink after birth.

Your baby is laying down bone. To do this, she will draw calcium from you.

Your baby has taste buds and it has been suggested that she can taste and develop tastes for flavors found in the amniotic fluid, particularly flavors that you eat on a regular basis.

MY BODY:
Your baby is beginning to drop in your pelvis and you may have noticed that the shape of your abdomen has changed because of this. This may also cause increased pressure in your pelvic region.

While Braxton Hicks contractions are probably becoming more regular, you may also experience false labor. This is different from Braxton Hicks contractions because false labor, unlike Braxton Hicks, can be very painful. These contractions are irregular and usually last under 45 seconds and are not sustained. If you are unsure if you are experiencing false labor, you should contact your care provider.

If your water breaks, you should contact your doctor immediately.

You may have bloody show that occurs as the cervix stretches and dilates, especially right after a vaginal exam. You may also pass a mucus plug. Neither bloody show or passing the mucus plug necessarily indicates that labor will commence right away, but it will not be far away.

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Tue, Jul 18, 2006 9:00 AM
Today I had my weekly Perinatology appt (Dr. Polzin), Non-Stress Test and Amniotic Fluid Index (ultrasound). I also had a panel of bloodwork done to check my liver enzymes (pre-eclampsia panel) since I keep spilling protein into my urine each week. In addition, I did a 24 hour urine collection and dropped it off at the Lab first thing this morning. I'll find out those test results tomorrow.

Stats from my appointments today:

Izabella's amnio fluid: 16 cm (normal is between 5-25 cm)
My blood pressure: 98/70
Protein: Yes, 1+
Weight: Lost 1 lb. (total of 27 lbs. gained now)
Fundal measurement: 35 weeks (just like last week)
NST: Izabella is reactive, with a heartrate between 162-185 BPM & no contractions

I received the details on my C-SECTION!

8/23/06 - 10 am - Amnioscentisis - Dr. Polzin
8/24/06 - 1:30 pm - C-section - Dr. Brady

Re: Protein/Urine:
I had to do a 24 hour "pee-in-the-jug" thing (dropped it off to the Lab this morning) and also had the pre-eclampsia bloodwork panel. So, I should find out in the next few days the results. Dr. Polzin did press on my legs a lot, and they are retaininig fluid (and sticking). We'll see what the test results say. My blood pressure is so great, it's confusing.

Everything else is going great. Dr. Polzin said the bedrest is really paying off this time and it looks like I will make it AT LEAST past 35 weeks! Yahoo!!

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Fri, Jul 14, 2006 9:00 AM
I'm 32 WEEKS!
IZABELLA:
Your baby now weighs about 4.4 lbs (2000g) and measures about 12 inches (30cm) from crown to rump and about 19.4 inches (43cm) in total.

Now that your baby is running out of room in your womb, you can probably see your belly moving as your baby kicks.

Your baby may dream as he sleeps and when awake he may be alert, listening, feeling and even seeing dim shapes.

Though your baby is still inside the womb, he is learning all the time as billions of neurons are making connections.

Your baby is probably in his birth position by now.

Your baby's lungs may be sufficiently developed by now, though if he were born now, he would probably still need an incubator to stay warm.

MY BODY:
Your weight gain by now may be as much as 28 lbs and you are gaining weight faster than at any other time in your pregnancy. This is because your baby is growing rapidly right now.

Your blood volume has increased 40% to meet your baby's needs and your uterus has grown 500 times since before you were pregnant.

You may be feeling uncomfortable and feel the need to urinate frequently.

You may be experiencing vivid dreams.

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Tue, Jul 11, 2006 9:30 AM
Izabella weighs 4 lbs. 11 oz AND has HAIR!

She is measuring right at 33 weeks (my fundal measurement is 35 weeks). She is measuring 2 weeks ahead!

She had a head-full of fuzzy, floating hair. It was soo cute to see. My boys had a ton of hair when they were born at 31w1d, but it never showed up on ultrasounds (I remember asking/looking for it).

My Peri appt, NST and BPP went well. My weight is unchanged, my blood pressure is 90/58, Izabella got a 10 out of 10 on her Non-Stress Test (NST) and Bio-Physical profile (BPP) combo. My cervix is still long and closed - and my stitches are in place.

The only problem I have is the protein in my urine ~ AGAIN. Dr. Brady is having me do a 24-hour urine collection along with blood work.

Oh - and we changed my c-section date. I am scheduled for an Amniocentisis on 8/22 and my c-section will be on 8/24.

From now on, I will see my Peri twice a week.

That's all for now!!!!!!

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Sat, Jul 8, 2006 5:14 AM
31w1d

Today is the EXACT day I delivered Evan and Aidan in my prior pregnancy. Today is a very emotional day for me. I have been very nervous to see this day come and go.

Slawek is out of town today. He had to drive to Chicago to pick up his sister Magda, who will be staying with us for 2 months. I was very nervous for him to leave me today. I am sure everything will be just fine, though.

My thoughts are with both my boys and Izabella. I hope we can spare Izabella the trauma Evan and Aidan went through as a result of their early arrival.

May God continue to bless us!

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Fri, Jul 7, 2006 9:00 AM
I'M 31 WEEKS (when I delivered the boys!)
IZABELLA:
Your baby's total length is 18.9 inches (42cm) and she is perfectly formed! She measures about 11.6 inches (29cm) from crown to rump. All she has to do is fill out more. Your baby weighs almost 4 pounds (1800g). If she were to be born now, she would still need to be incubated as she has insufficient fat stores to keep it warm.

Your baby can distinguish between light and dark.

Your baby can hear the outside world quite well now, and can also hear the sounds of your heartbeat, your digestion and the blood rushing in the umbilical cord. The pitch of women's voices are in the range babies are most able to hear over all the internal background noise. Your baby is already familiar with your voice and will be able to recognize it after birth.

MY BODY:
Your uterus now extends to about 5 inches (12cm) above your belly button. You probably continue to feel tired and may sometimes feel dizzy. You feel your baby's kicking regularly. Your baby is probably in the head down position by now and is long enough that his legs can reach your ribs. The pressure of your baby's legs can make your ribcage sore. Taking care to sit or stand straight may alleviate this discomfort somewhat. You may feel short of breath, have heartburn, round ligament pain, a stuffy nose and other pregnancy symptoms. Your pelvic joints may have expanded for the birth and this may cause some discomfort. You may feel a desire to "nest" which may make you want to bake, clean and get things in order around your home.

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Thu, Jul 6, 2006 8:00 AM
31 week Peri appt. with NST/BPP:
Today my appts. went well. I had only a TRACE of Protein in my urine, so my Dr. was happy with that! My blood pressure was 90/70. I lost 1 lb. ~ YEAHHHH!!! (I was really freaked out about gaining those 3 lbs. last week).

Izabella scored a 10/10 on her Bio Physical Profile (BPP) & Non-Stress Test (NST) combo. Everything looks great.

My cervix is still long, tight and closed. Cerclage is in place.

My belly measured 34 weeks!!!!!!! Dr. Lambers was a little concerned about that, and started to order a growth scan when I explained to her that I already have a growth scan scheduled on TUESDAY! After that appt, I start TWICE WEEKLY appts. (yuk). I feel like I live there enough already.

The last thing my Perinatologist said, as she was walking out the door, was, "Christine, when we see you next week, you will be more pregnant than you have ever been!" (meaning, I delivered at 31w1d, so I am passing that milestone now!)

Tomorrow I will be 31 weeks (the day I went into labor with the boys). Saturday I will be 31w1d (the very day I delivered the boys). I will certainly be glad to see these next 2 days come and go.

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